Greece is bracing for a sharp deterioration in weather over the next 48 hours, with heavy rain, thunderstorms and winds reaching up to 10 Beaufort expected across parts of the country, according to an emergency weather bulletin.
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) forecasts severe rain and thunderstorms on Tuesday, and Wednesday particularly in coastal and maritime areas. Some storms may also produce localized hail.
The change in weather will also bring a noticeable drop in temperatures, while the first snowfall of the season is expected at mountain ski resorts.
Meteorologist Giannis Kallianos told MEGA television that the conditions could also affect ferry services and make aircraft landings difficult in some areas. He said wind gusts could reach 10 Beaufort on Wednesday and Thursday.
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Where the storms will hit Tuesday
On Tuesday, locally severe rain and thunderstorms are forecast across the Ionian islands of Lefkada, Kefalonia and Zakynthos, as well as western Central Greece and the western and southern Peloponnese, from the morning until late afternoon.
Severe weather is expected in Halkidiki, northern Greece, from midday, while the Sporades islands, eastern Thessaly — particularly the Magnesia regional unit — and the island of Evia will be affected from the afternoon.
EMY warned that the storms in those areas are expected to be both intense and prolonged.
Northeastern Peloponnese, eastern Central Greece — including the Athens region of Attica — and parts of the Cyclades, particularly the western and northern islands, are expected to see a temporary spell of severe weather from late afternoon until late at night.
Storms will reach the Dodecanese late Tuesday night, while Crete, particularly the Chania and Rethymno regions, will be affected from the evening.
Severe weather shifts east Wednesday
On Wednesday, the strongest conditions will increasingly focus on eastern and island regions.
Severe rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue in Halkidiki through the morning and in the Sporades, Magnesia and Evia until the afternoon. EMY again warned that the storms in the latter areas will be intense and prolonged.
The Dodecanese will remain under severe weather through the afternoon, while the Chania and Rethymno regions of Crete could see strong storms until late Wednesday night.
At the same time, very strong northeasterly winds of 8 to 9 Beaufort, temporarily reaching 10 Beaufort in some areas, are forecast to develop first over the northern Aegean before gradually extending into the central Aegean.
The winds are expected from Tuesday evening until late Wednesday night.
Travel could be affected
The combination of heavy rainfall and powerful winds could create problems for transportation, particularly ferry and air travel.
Kallianos said he expects widespread ferry restrictions on Wednesday and warned that aircraft could face difficult landing conditions in some areas.
The weather shift is also expected to bring the season’s first snowfall to mountain ski resorts.
Civil Protection issues safety guidance
Greece’s Civil Protection authorities have urged residents to exercise particular caution and take precautions before and during the severe weather.
People are advised to secure outdoor objects that could be swept away by strong winds and to make sure gutters and drainage systems around their homes are clear and functioning properly.
Authorities are also urging people not to cross streams or torrents on foot or by vehicle during heavy rainfall and for several hours afterward. Residents should avoid flooded roads, outdoor work and activities in coastal or marine areas while severe conditions are underway.
During hailstorms, people should seek shelter inside a building or vehicle. Authorities also advise staying away from large trees, hanging signs and balconies where objects could become dislodged and fall.